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Go here to see test of the Agama
After manual or automatic activation you must replace 3 parts, the
bobbin, indicator tab and CO2 cartridge. The bobbin, which contains some
type of paper, has a 3 year shelf life. You're not allowed to carry CO2
cartridges on airliners so, if you travel, the Agama or parts must be
shipped before heading out.
Resetting the Agama's auto inflator is brilliantly simple. At first I
thought it was going to be a pain so I took pictures of the disassembly.
Then I realized they made it nearly pilot proof—the bobbin can only be
inserted in one place and in one way.
How the Agama Auto-Inflation Works
There's a spring-loaded plunger in the cap trying to press against a
"firing" (puncture) pin that, when pushed, punctures the CO2 cartridge.
The plunger is held back by arms in the bobbin. When the bobbin gets
soaked, its paper dissolves, allowing the plunger past which presses
against the firing pin which punctures the cartridge. Simple, ingenious.
The manual inflation lever is mechanically connected to the firing pin
and provides an alternative way to move the firing pin. After automatic
activation, the lever will be out.
The plunger has a green sleeve attached so that when the plunger
plunges, it exposes the red spring. That makes it plainly obvious that
the unit needs to be reset. A green indicator tab gets broken, too,
further indicating that the unit is spent.
 Replacing
the Bobbin and resetting
You can see all you need from the Agama's label but these pictures
and description serve as a backup in case you lose those directions.
Start by removing the old CO2 cartridge. Close the lever. Do not
reinstall the new cartridge yet to avoid accidentally puncturing it.
You'll need 3 parts.
-
The new
CO2 cartridge. It's supposed to be a 50g cylinder but, when mine
arrived from the Agama importer, it was 60g. So there must be some
leeway, at least up to that amount.
-
A
Bobbin which contains the quick dissolving paper (or similar).
-
An
Indicator Tab. The bobbin and tab came together in a package. This
little green tab serves two purposes. It lets you know that the device
is still ready to go, that it hasn't been activated. Second, it
reduces the likelihood of an accidental activation by resisting lever
operation.
Unscrew the cap assembly and drop the old
bobbin out of the body. Put the new bobbin in and screw the cap assembly
back on. The bobbin will only go in one way. Make sure the lever is
closed (flush with the body) and insert the indicator tab.
Lastly, look down the body to make sure
the firing pin is not protruding. I can't see how it would if the lever
is flush and green tab installed. Screw in the new CO2 cartridge and you
are ready to get saved. |
1. An activated unit is obvious by the exposed red spring, extended
lever and/or the missing green half-circle indicator tab.
2. Ready to go. The spring's red top is barely visible and the indicator
tab is present.
The above directions are printed on an attached waterproof sheet.
Fully assembled and ready to save your sorry, wet carcass one more time. |
